Given its unique geographic location, Alsace makes only high-quality, dry white wines. Natural, authentic and un-oaked, they are the perfect alternative to Chardonnay. Alsace is the only region of France to use a grape variety name on its labels. Alsace wines pair perfectly with spicy, exotic cuisines like Thai, Indian and Tex-Mex.
Inter Beaujolais is the official wine-trade organization of the region. Its primary mission is to promote Beaujolais wines in France and in key export markets through raising awareness of the region. In addition, Inter Beaujolais is responsible for three other major activities: research and development - they boast the largest research facility in France - economic studies to best position their offer, and lastly, the protection and the defense of the Beaujolais AOC.
A creation of the renowned Castel Group, MED-ATLANTIC® is a new style of wine. The brand launched in March 2008, following the passage of a new French wine law expanding AOC regulations and creating an entirely new category of French country wines: Vignobles de France. MED-ATLANTIC® features the "When Cédric Met Cécile" label, named for its winemakers, Cédric Jenin of Beziers, in southern France, and Cécile Feret of Bordeaux. Offering single-varietal wines from two distinctive French regions — the Languedoc along the Mediterranean and vineyards from the Atlantic (Gironde Department) — this innovative MED-ATLANTIC® brand is the first ever "bicoastal" French wine. Affordable and consumer-friendly, these delicious wines offer a fresh and progressive vision of French wines.
The Rhône Valley's rich history, its diverse geography and various grape varieties all contribute to making Côtes du Rhône wines so unique. From Vienne to Avignon, the banks of the Rhône River have been home to vines and winemakers for some 2000 years producing exceptional Crus, village wines or Côtes du Rhône AOCs. Reds predominate at 90% in the Rhône Valley, which is easily divided into two distinct areas: Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône. Wines of the Northern Rhône Valley are largely made with the Syrah (Shiraz) grape. Approximately 95% of Rhône wines hail from the Southern Rhône, where a blend of grape varieties provides the unique identity of the region. The two most important varieties in the blend are Syrah (Shiraz) and Grenache.
Gérard Bertrand inherited his passion for wine and his love of the Languedoc region from his father, Georges Bertrand, a pioneer winemaker in his own right. Considered one of the most dynamic vintners in the region today, Gérard Bertrand has made it his mission to carry on in the tradition of his father, crafting wines of superior quality and excellence that embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle. With five unique estates that stretch out across some of the finest wine-growing areas in the region, Gérard Bertrand wines express the true richness, elegance and diversity of the Languedoc. The Bertrand name is a guarantee of quality and is known the world over as a symbol of passion and dedication to the art of winemaking.
The new Languedoc AOC is a contrast of traditional values and 'terroir' with innovation and foresight, resulting in great diversity of style and excellent quality/price relationship. This new AOC, which now encompasses the Roussillon region and replaces the old Coteaux de Languedoc AOC, is the largest wine producing region in France. Its producers are uniting to promote their wines under one banner to create a real sense of place and demonstrate that this region is the driving force behind 'The New French Style'. The AOC wines of the Languedoc reflect traditional values, a strong cultural heritage and are noted for their 'fruit-forward' nature and their appeal to the American consumer.
The region's abundance of high quality, affordable, authentic wines is a true testament to the passion and character of those who craft them and to the exceptional richness and diversity of terroir in South West France. The South West region of France stretches from the Atlantic coast to the city of Toulouse - the region's capital - and from the foot of the Pyrénées to the Massif Central mountain range. The fourth biggest appellation in France in terms of volume and sales worldwide, South West France offers everything from red, white and rosé still wines to sparkling wines.
Boasting an unparalleled range of wine styles and flavors, South West France includes 18 appellations, of which Madiran, Gaillac, Fronton, Cahors, Jurançon, Saint-Mont and Irouléguy are the best known, and a total of 22 Vins de Pays, of which Côtes de Gascogne is the most familiar in the U.S. While internationally recognized red grape varieties such as Malbec, Tannat and Merlot are home to South West France, the region's wines can also be characterized by the inclusion of other indigenous varieties such as Négrette, Duras, Colombard, Len de Lel, Fer Servadou, Petit and Gros Manseng.
The natural wines of South West France reflect a way of healthy living that is inherent in the region's culture. In his recent, highly acclaimed book The Red Wine Diet, British scientist Roger Corder revealed that certain red wines from the South West of France are more beneficial than others for living a longer, healthier life. Steeped in history, a richness of terroir and centuries of winemaking know-how, South West France produces a plethora of authentic, convivial and character-driven wines that exemplify quality, diversity, and value.
"Wines of France" is dedicated to the promotion of French wines through public relations, trade and consumer wine tastings, education, wine seminars, advertising, Web presence and non-traditional marketing events. Sheri Sauter Morano, one of only three American women to hold the prestigious title of Master of Wine (and one of only 265 MW's worldwide) has been the US spokesperson for Wines of France since January 2005. In that capacity, and to help American consumers navigate the "wide world" of French wine, she has chosen a group of 48 wines as her "Top Picks" for their quality, innovation and price ($8 to $25).